To
The People of Arunachal Pradesh, The Government and the Broader Indian Community,
We, the Wesean Student Federation's Monyul and Tanimoko state wings, stand at a historical crossroads. Our state, known as "Arunachal Pradesh," carries a name that translates to "land of dawn-lit mountains," evoking the beauty of our region at the very edge of the Indian subcontinent. While this name is poetic and enchanting, it is also deeply tied to Sanskrit, a language that, despite its historical significance, is not indigenous to our diverse peoples. This name, bestowed from a language foreign to our land, does not encapsulate the rich, multi-ethnic tapestry that defines who we are. Today, we seek to begin a new chapter, one that honors our indigenous heritage and reflects the true essence of our home.
A Name Rooted in Foreignness
The name "Arunachal Pradesh" evokes a picturesque image but also speaks to a historical narrative imposed upon us. It is a name born from Sanskritization, a process that has often overlooked or overshadowed our indigenous identities and cultures. This foreign nomenclature does not resonate with the soul of our people—the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Monpa, Sherdukpen, and countless others whose languages and traditions are as varied as the mountains and valleys of our land. We acknowledge the well-meaning intentions behind this name, but we cannot ignore that it symbolizes a historical and cultural disconnect.
The Cultural and Emotional Imperative for Change
Names hold power. They are not merely words but are imbued with the history, culture, and emotions of a people. When we call our state "Arunachal Pradesh," we use a name that feels distant and detached from our cultural reality. Our identity is more than just geographical descriptors; it is a vibrant mosaic of customs, languages, and beliefs. Our festivals, from the Solung of the Adis to the Losar of the Monpas, are celebrations of life that speak a language all our own—a language that finds no reflection in a name that is not ours.
The proposed names "Monyul" and "Tanimoko" are not just alternatives; they are affirmations of our cultural identity. "Monyul," which historically refers to the land of the Monpas, carries the weight of centuries of Buddhist tradition and a unique cultural heritage. "Tanimoko" blends the Tani term with "Moko," meaning land, symbolizing the unity and shared identity of the Tani-speaking peoples. These names encapsulate the spirit of our communities, respecting our shared histories and diverse traditions.
Honoring Our Diverse Communities
Another rationale for this change is because in all reality, Our state is not home to over 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, as claimed. In most census the same tribes like nyisis, or Hrussos are repeated multiple times, and no official could ever name all the 26 articulately. Yes, however we do recognise that each tribe has their own unique cultural heritage and linguistic diversity- and everyone should respect that. The Tani groups, the majority ethnic in Arunachal, which include the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, and others, represent a significant portion of our population. The Monpa people, alongside Sherdukpen, Memba, and others, also form a vital cultural and demographic block. Smaller communities, such as the Mishmi, Khamti, Singpho, and Deori, though fewer in number, contribute richly to our cultural landscape .
We therefore propose that these smaller communities be recognized with special administrative arrangements, such as autonomous councils, to honor their unique identities and ensure their voices are heard. For the Naga people, we propose a respectful dialogue to consider their desires, whether they wish to remain part of our state or join Nagaland, respecting their historical and cultural ties.
A Call to Embrace Our True Identity
In proposing the names "Monyul & Tanimoko," we do not seek to erase history but to write a new chapter that is true to our indigenous heritage. This change is not a rejection of the broader Indian identity but a call to celebrate the unique contributions of our people to the nation's rich diversity. It is a recognition that our stories, languages, and traditions are not relics of the past but living, breathing expressions of who we are.
We appeal to the emotions of all who call this land home. Think of the stories passed down through generations, the languages spoken in our villages, and the rituals that define our lives. These are the things that make us who we are, and they deserve to be reflected in the name of our state. We seek a name that our children can proudly claim as their own, a name that echoes the mountains, rivers, and valleys of our homeland.
We call on our leaders, citizens, and all who hold Arunachal Pradesh dear to join us in this journey of self-rediscovery. Let us embrace a name that reflects our indigenous roots, honors our cultural diversity, and resonates with our collective identity. Let us become "Monyul & Tanimoko," a land where the dawn truly reflects the light of our unique cultures and traditions.
This is more than a name change; it is a movement towards reclaiming our narrative, celebrating our heritage, and asserting our place in the mosaic of India's diverse cultures. We believe that through this change, we can build a future where every community feels recognized, respected, and proud of our shared home.
Sincerely,
Nyima Tarung Tana
Vice President,
All Monyul Wesean Student Union
Risso Takar
President
All Tanimoko Wesean Student Union